All set for Masaku Safari Sevens

Several international teams have touched down in Nairobi ahead of the 23rd edition of the Safari 7s set to be held in Machakos this weekend. 

Kenya Rugby Union Vice Chairman Moses Ndale says everything is in place for a proper rugby extravaganza in Machakos this weekend.

“Preparations have been good, especially Shujaa and Lionesses teams; including the Morans and the Lionesses cubs. Preparations in Machakos have also been good; a number of our secretariat members have been going down there to ensure that the pitch is up to standard and so far, going by the photos that have been shared with the Local organizing committee we are happy with it and I believe it's going to be good in Machakos.”  

International sides Shogun rugby – formerly Samurai - have already arrived here in the capital as well as neighbours Uganda and Zimbabwe and Ndale says they had invited more international rugby teams but were late with travel arrangements.

“We were expecting a number of international teams; Specifically, Zimbabwe have landed, Uganda have also landed. International we were also expecting Boca and Spain but we were supposed to pay all their requirements; that is flight and local requirements like hotels and local travel but by the time we were confirming that we were late for us. On that note, we are looking to push to have those teams for next year because we believe next year will be bigger than this year.”

Ndale has urged rugby enthusiasts to flock Machakos town in their numbers to support the local teams.

“Fans should expect good rugby; Shujaa will be there of course and Morans will be there. Remember the Lionesses lost to Uganda last year and I'm sure they want to ensure the trophy returns back home where it’s supposed to be and I believe we will experience good rugby.”

He continued “Kenya Harlequins who are the champions of the local sevens circuit will have a point to prove and it's going to be a good rugby weekend and I encourage the fans to turn up in large numbers to enjoy the game and also get to meet the players they’ve been seeing on TV and of course offer support to the local teams.”

The Pools for the weekend spectacle have already been announced with Kenya’s flagship team Shujaa headlining Pool A alongside Zimbabwe, Lions rugby, Qatar, and the Varsity select team.

Pool B will see Uganda take on Kenya’s second-string team Morans, National sevens circuit champions Kenya Harlequins, Shogun Rugby and Red Wailers.

Shujaa are the defending champions in the men’s elite category but will be wary of Shogun rugby – formerly Samurai - who will be led by Ex-Shujaa coach Mike “Otoyo” Friday who last won the Safari 7s title in 2015 when he led Shogun (Samurai) to the title by seeing off Shujaa 20-19.

Kenya’s Lionesses will be hunting down Shogun Ladies, Uganda, Kenya Cubs and Uganda 2 in a bid to reclaim the title that they lost to nemesis Uganda last year. The Ladies tourney will be played in a round robin format.